Product Description

As ruler of the church of Alexandria and president of the Third Ecumenical Council of 431, Cyril was one of the most powerful men in the fifth century, an important thinker who defined the concept of christological orthodoxy for the next two centuries. A controversial figure, he is also often regarded as an unscrupulous, power-hungry cleric who was responsible for the overthrow of an archbishop and the murder of a female philosopher. The first detailed survey in English of Cyril's life and work, Cyril of Alexandria presents key selections of the writings of this complex figure, all freshly translated and put into context by an introduction that outlines his life and times, his scholastic method, his doctrine, and his significant influence on the Christian tradition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #758098 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Review

'A professional and enlightening piece of work.' - David Taylor, Reviews in Religion and Theology

'A professional and enlightening piece of work.' - David Taylor, Reviews in Religion and Theology

'This excellent piece of patristic scholarship, which balances subtlety and accuracy with coherence and brevity, is concluded by a comprehensive bibliography and wide-ranging yet disciplined notes.' - Maxine West, Theology

'... Russsell's volume on Cyril of Alexandria is a fitting addition to The Early Church Fathers series ... All-in-all, a well-structured tool, full of sound information ... and translations which convey the quality of his work accurately and with sympathy.' - Wendy Meyer, Journal of Religious History

'A balanced and approachable introduction to the work of a man ahose thought was central to the shaping of the theology and piety of Eastern Christianity.' - Studies in World Christianity

'Norman Russell's book offers the reader an excellent opportunity to read one of the most subtle theologians of the Early Church. The translations are lively and accurate, and the author has sensitively (and generously) chosen what to offer in the light of what has already been made available by other modern translations of Cyril's opera. The result is that, with the appearence of the book, the student can gain access, for the first time, to an example of most of Cyril's important writings in an English version. Norman Russell is to be congratulated for his achievement.' -

'Norman Russell's book offers the reader an excellent opportunity to read one of the most subtle theologians of the Early Church. The translations are lively and accurate, and the author has sensitively (and generously) chosen what to offer in the light of what has already been made available by other modern translations of Cyril's opera. The result is that, with the appearence of the book, the student can gain access, for the first time, to an example of most of Cyril's important writings in an English version. Norman Russell is to be congratulated for his achievement.' -

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek

About the Author
Norman Russell is a freelance lecturer and translator. He is the author of The Lives of the Desert Fathers (1980) and John Climacus: The Ladder of Divine Ascent (1982).